Manavi Rai’s talk is an inspiring journey of choosing purpose over glamour. She stepped away from the shine of the material world to become the voice of the voiceless — dedicating her life to India’s indie and street dogs who often suffer unseen. Her mission fearlessly addresses neglected issues like animal abuse and animal rape, urging society and the government to acknowledge that animals deserve dignity, protection, and a respectful life parallel to ours. This talk also carries a strong message for families. Manavi shares how her family’s unwavering support, especially her brother’s belief in her, helped her overcome every challenge. She proves that when your family stands with you, no battle is impossible to win. Manavi Rai is a Delhi-based animal activist who transformed her career abroad to dedicate herself to rescuing and protecting Animals in India. Motivated by the suffering of stray dogs during the 2020 pandemic, she founded Dog Langar and the Udgam Haveli Shelter, providing food, medical care, and rehabilitation for injured and abandoned animals. Her work also includes awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and community outreach programs aimed at promoting compassion and responsible care for animals. Recognized in Femina & Mamaearth Beautiful Indians 2024, Manavi’s long-term vision is to establish a 24-hour animal hospital and sanctuary, creating a lasting impact on animal welfare and inspiring communities to take action for voiceless beings. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Kalyan S. Rathore’s talk reveals the powerful connection between art, science, and mathematics. As a sculptor, he uses geometry, physics, and design principles to create artworks that are not only visually striking but also purposeful and meaningful. He believes that inspiration comes from the cosmos, nature, and everyday life, where patterns and forms constantly speak to us. Through his journey, Kalyan highlights how creativity expands when disciplines blend, proving that science and art are never far apart. While technology evolves, he reminds us that the human touch in creation will always hold a special, irreplaceable value. Kalyan S Rathore is not your regular sculptor. He bridges the worlds of art, science, and geometry to create sculptures that resonate with human emotion. Trained in industrial design, Kalyan brings mathematical patterns and scientific principles into his creative process, transforming abstract ideas into tangible forms. His journey into the art world began with a deep fascination for physics and geometry, leading to a Guinness World Record for an installation made entirely of photographs.He believes every object has a geometric predisposition, an inherent pattern shaped by evolution, whether it’s a leaf, a fruit, or an animal. This idea has evolved into what he calls 'Form Philosophy', a way of understanding the world through the universal language of geometry. Kalyan’s work also extends to education, inspiring students to see math, science, and art as interconnected. His large public sculptures, often placed in airports and open spaces, act as metaphors that speak to everyone. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Ever argued with yourself and lost? Akshitha takes us on a witty yet profound journey inside the human mind, where our loudest critic often lives rent-free. Through humor, science, and personal stories, she explores the power of self-talk and how transforming our inner voice from a bully to a cheerleader can reshape confidence, courage, and life itself. Akshitha Balakrishnan, a 10th-grade student at The Indian Public School in Trichy, is known among her friends as the one who over-thinks every detail—from math problems to the perfect emoji. This very tendency inspired her talk. Like many teens, she has often found her inner voice sounding more like a critic than a cheerleader. However, learning to transform that mental noise into something kinder and braver fundamentally changed how she faces exams, challenges, and even the stage today. Her talk is a reflection of that personal journey—a mix of humour, honesty, and heart, mirroring the person she is. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Com sensibilidade e coragem, Paola compartilha sua jornada como mãe e cuidadora de um menino com câncer. Em meio à dor, revela o sofrimento invisível de quem cuida e defende o cuidado paliativo como um ato de amor. Seu discurso valoriza a escuta, a dignidade e a autoria do último capítulo da vida.Paola López é terapeuta de Reprocessamento Generativo (TRG), Doula da Morte e facilitadora da Terapia da Dignidade. Fundadora do Projeto López – Cuidando de quem cuida, a primeira comunidade compassiva de Sete Lagoas, e idealizadora do Escolas Compassivas, dedica-se a promover uma cultura de compaixão, onde cuidar é também um ato de transformação. Suas palestras unem ciência, espiritualidade e humanidade. Reconhecida pela Monção Honrosa Mulheres que Inspiram, e também pelo destaque concedido ao Projeto López na Câmara dos Vereadores Jovens, Paola representa a força de quem acredita que a vida é um sopro e que cada gesto de cuidado é uma forma de eternidade. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We’ve been told that happiness comes after — after we achieve more, fit in, or finally figure life out. But what if that’s the biggest lie of all? In this powerful and relatable talk, Shirly Liran Klein challenges what we believe about joy and meaning, revealing that happiness isn’t something to chase — it’s something we can practice, right now. Shirly Liran Klein is a well-being coach and founder of Create My Happy Place, helping people translate the science of happiness into everyday life. With experience as a project manager and HR manager, she combines structure with empathy—breaking aspirations into practical steps while honoring the human side of change. She studied at the Happiness Studies Academy and is a certified business and life coach, blending evidence-based insights with a grounded, personal approach. Shirly also leads a free women’s circle in her community, fostering connection and shared growth, believing well-being should be accessible to all. Originally from Israel and now in the U.S., she is curious about people’s choices and what makes life meaningful. A passionate reader, writer, and member of two book clubs, she also keeps a personal blog. For her, happiness is not a destination but a lifelong journey—one she lives daily as a mother, partner, friend, and coach. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At the deepest levels, light doesn't reveal but actually conceals. Light pollution also accelerates the distraction epidemic, disconnecting us from ourselves, from each other, and from nature. The ancient practice of dark retreat helps us reconnect. Dark retreat diagnoses how we’re afflicted with a darkness deficit disorder, a disorder of depth, interiority, and authenticity, while simultaneously prescribing the cure. Dark medicine invites the deepest form of shadow work, sparks creativity, and allows us to find meaning, balance, and inner peace in our lives. The healing power of darkness leads to profound restoration and transformation, and a total reset for the nervous system. It’s the ultimate silent retreat, and therefore the deepest form of meditation. Facing your fears in the dark allows you to transcend them, nurturing a quality of fearlessness that extends into daily life. The mirror of darkness further shows you that who you THINK you are is defined by what you do; who you REALLY are is revealed when you finally stop doing. The embrace of darkness invites you to relax and discover who you really are, resulting in the experience of unconditional love. Andrew Holecek is an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner in Tibetan Buddhism and other nondual wisdom traditions. He is the Resident Contemplative Scholar at the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, and a research consultant for the Cognitive Neuroscience Program at Northwestern University. His work involves studies on dark immersion and dream yoga. Dr. Holecek is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the author of nine books, and a concert pianist. He has completed a three-year solitary retreat and is a frequent subject in scientific studies on meditation and lucid dreaming. His work integrates ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary scientific, psychological, and philosophical perspectives, aiming to help individuals navigate the challenges of life and death. He is currently writing two books on dark retreat. Holecek holds degrees in classical music, biology, and a doctorate in dental surgery. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx